How to Choose the Right Tohatsu Outboard for Your Inflatable Boat (2026 Expert Guide)

Choosing the right Tohatsu outboard is one of the most important decisions when buying an inflatable boat or RIB. The engine determines speed, fuel efficiency, load capacity, wave-handling ability, and overall boating experience. For Canadian boaters—especially in Ontario, British Columbia, and Québec—conditions vary greatly across lakes, and horsepower needs differ significantly.

This in-depth guide explains how to match Tohatsu outboards with INNOVOCEAN™ boats including the MA360, MAC380 Electric, and NS390C Premium RIB. Whether you’re boating on Lake Ontario, Muskoka, or a small cottage lake, this guide will help you choose the ideal engine.

1. Understanding Horsepower and Inflatable Boat Performance

An inflatable boat responds to horsepower differently than a fiberglass or aluminum boat. Because inflatable boats are lighter, a small increase in horsepower can dramatically improve performance.

Three factors matter most:

• Thrust (torque) – how strongly the engine pushes the boat forward
• Top speed – determined by HP and boat length
• Planing ability – how quickly the boat rises onto its surface

Tohatsu outboards are known for producing strong low-end torque, making them ideal for inflatable boat hulls.

2. Engine Weight Matters for Inflatable Boats

Inflatable boats and RIBs are highly weight-sensitive. For example:

• A jump from a 6HP (25kg) to a 9.8HP (38kg) engine significantly affects handling
• Adding 50HP on a RIB like NS390C is ideal because the hull balances the weight
• Too heavy a motor on a small inflatable can reduce safety

This is why you must match the engine to the correct hull.

3. Tohatsu Portable Outboards (2.5HP–6HP): Best for Small Lakes

These engines are ideal for small lakes, rivers, dinghies, and tenders.

• 2.5HP–3.5HP: Easy storage, slow speed, perfect for short-distance use
• 5HP–6HP: Good for 9–11ft inflatables with 1–2 passengers

Performance on INNOVOCEAN boats:

• MA360: 6HP can move the boat, but doesn’t plane easily
• MAC380: Electric is better, but 6HP works for small lakes

Best use cases: quiet lakes, transport, kids learning to boat.

4. Tohatsu 9.8HP (Canada’s Most Popular Engine for Inflatables)

Why 9.8HP Is a Canadian Favourite

• Best power-to-weight ratio
• Only ~38kg — easy for one person to handle
• Fast enough for fun, slow enough for safety

Performance on INNOVOCEAN boats:

• MA360: Planes with 1–3 people, ideal family setup
• MAC380: Good for multi-purpose (but electric still preferred)
• NS390C: Too weak for a RIB of this size

Best for:

• Ontario cottage lakes
• Muskoka / Kawarthas
• Entry-level gas boating

5. Tohatsu 15HP–20HP (Top Choice for Medium Inflatable Boats)

These engines offer a huge performance upgrade while staying reasonably light.

Benefits:

• Strong acceleration
• Excellent on-plane stability
• Supports 3–5 passengers

Performance on INNOVOCEAN boats:

• MA360: 15HP is the ideal engine. 20HP is maximum and offers serious performance.
• MAC380: Performs well with 9.8–15HP if used with gas.
• NS390C: Too low — RIB needs more power.

Best for:

• Lake Simcoe
• Large cottage lakes
• Fishing boats

6. Tohatsu 25HP–30HP (Entry-Level RIB Power)

These engines are great for lighter RIBs and medium load configurations.

Performance on NS390C:

• Planing with 3–4 people
• Good fuel efficiency
• Stable riding

However, the NS390C is built for even higher output.

7. Tohatsu 40HP–50HP (Best Match for NS390C Premium RIB)

If you want the full performance of a RIB, this is the ideal range.

Benefits:

• Fast acceleration
• Strong wave-handling capability
• Ideal cruising speed at mid-throttle
• Excellent for fishing, towing, and offshore conditions

NS390C Performance:

• 40HP: Balanced, efficient, versatile
• 50HP: Maximum performance, best for Lake Ontario & BC coast

The NS390C RIB paired with a 50HP Tohatsu is one of the best small performance boats available for Canadian waters.

8. Matching Engine Power to Canadian Lakes

Muskoka / Kawarthas (Calm Lakes)

• MA360 with 9.8HP–15HP
• MAC380 with electric or 9.8HP

Lake Simcoe (Windy & Choppy)

• MA360 with 15–20HP
• NS390C with 40HP+

Lake Ontario / Georgian Bay (Big Water)

• NS390C with 50HP

Small Lakes / Parks

• MAC380 Electric
• MA360 with 6–9.8HP

9. Transport Canada Regulations

Every boat has a maximum HP set by Transport Canada. INNOVOCEAN boats follow TP1332E standards, meaning horsepower limits and safe loading are precise and safe.

Do not exceed the boat’s maximum HP rating, even if competitors suggest otherwise. Safety and balance matter more than speed.

Conclusion — The Perfect Pairing for Each Boat

MA360

• Best overall: 9.8HP–15HP
• Max performance: 20HP

MAC380 Electric

• Best: ePropulsion / Torqeedo
• Gas option: 9.8HP–15HP

NS390C Premium RIB

• Best overall: 40HP
• Maximum capability: 50HP

The right Tohatsu outboard transforms your inflatable boat into a stable, efficient, and exhilarating ride. With INNOVOCEAN’s Canadian-engineered designs, pairing the right engine ensures safety and reliability across all Canadian waters.